NAME: Rene Gorissen NICKNAME: Rhino AGE: 47 years MARITAL STATUS: Married

CHILDREN: son (21) daughter (17)

NUMBER OF YEARS EMPLOYED WITH COMPANY:
26 years full-time plus three more as a student

CURRENT POSITION WITH COMPANY:
CAW World Class Manufacturing/ Manufacturing Quality Assurance
System Coordinator

FAVOURITE COMPANY VEHICLE: Dodge Ram Pick-Up

Rene has been a member of the Windsor Assembly Plant wellness
committee for 4.5 years. He began to make a few healthy changes after participating in the Putting the Brakes on Diabetes program in 2007. The significant commitment to his health really began when he started his weight loss plan. He made important lifestyle changes that allowed him to lose 55 pounds between January 1, 2009 and June 2009. Even more remarkable is that he has been able to keep it off.

Rene has several supports that he uses for his new healthy lifestyle.
Rene says his wife is very encouraging and that they have made
a decision to be healthy and active together. Rene’s wife now uses
less butter in her cooking. They eat more healthy foods such as
soups, salads, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. As part of his
new healthy lifestyle, Rene enjoys walking with his wife, jogging
on his treadmill, and bowling.

Rene has often consulted the Working Toward Wellness program
to learn about how to make healthier food choices. As a person
with diabetes, he has found that once he learned how to control
his blood sugar he was easily able to have success in feeling better
and being healthier.

Rene and his family participate in a variety of Working Toward Wellness program activities including the annual Skating and Wellness Event and Family Day. His active participation on the wellness committee over the years has not only benefi tted himself and his family, but many of his co-workers as well.